Airport GSE radiators face challenges that automotive applications never encounter: constant idling without highway airflow, tarmac temperatures that can exceed 130°F, continuous duty cycles across 24/7 operations, and exposure to de-icing chemicals and jet fuel vapors. Ohio's extreme seasonal swings—from sub-zero winters to humid 90°F+ summers—add thermal stress that standard radiators simply can't handle.
This guide identifies 8 reliable suppliers serving Ohio's airport GSE market, evaluated on response time, technical expertise with heavy-duty cooling systems, and proven experience with ground support applications.
TL;DR
- GSE radiators require industrial-grade construction for constant idling and extreme temperature fluctuations
- Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati airports drive demand for suppliers with rapid turnaround and emergency availability
- Selection criteria include heavy-duty certifications, custom fabrication capabilities, and GSE-specific experience
- This list covers 10 suppliers — from NARSA-certified Ohio shops to specialized national manufacturers
- Repair services suit urgent fixes; full replacements better serve aging or high-cycle GSE fleets
Overview of Airport GSE Radiators in Ohio
Airport ground support equipment radiators serve a specialized role. Unlike highway vehicles that generate cooling airflow through motion, GSE units depend entirely on fan-driven circulation — often while idling for long stretches or absorbing sudden load spikes. The equipment this covers includes:
- Baggage tractors and belt loaders
- Pushback tugs
- Ground power units (GPUs)
- Aircraft air conditioning units
Ohio's airport volume pushes these demands to the extreme. Cleveland Hopkins served over 10 million passengers in 2024, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky handled 2.1 million tons of cargo in 2023 (6th in North America), and John Glenn Columbus processed 8.4 million passengers across 33 gates. That continuous throughput means GSE rarely gets a cooling-off period.
The Midwest climate compounds the problem on both ends of the calendar. Summer tarmac surfaces run 40-50°F hotter than ambient air — meaning cooling systems are already stressed before Cleveland's July highs reach 84°F. Come January, average lows of 22°F demand reliable antifreeze protection and expose equipment to thermal shock on every cold start.
Each supplier listed below has demonstrated capacity for heavy-duty industrial cooling work — whether through rapid replacement, custom fabrication, or both.
Top 8 Airport GSE Radiator Suppliers in Ohio
These suppliers were evaluated on GSE-specific expertise, turnaround time, custom fabrication capabilities, and service coverage across Ohio's major airport regions.
Supplier 1: Ace Radiator Inc.
Ace Radiator has served heavy-duty cooling needs since 1947, operating distribution centers in Cincinnati and Columbus with headquarters in Fort Wayne, Indiana. They specialize in comprehensive repair and sales of radiators, charge air coolers, and oil coolers for industrial equipment, with specific experience handling 4-core genset radiator units common in ground power applications.
Their NARSA Heavy Duty Certification demonstrates technical competency for industrial heat transfer applications. Multi-location coverage across Ohio enables rapid response for airport operators, and their genset experience translates directly to GPU and auxiliary power equipment cooling challenges.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Service Radius | Distribution centers in Cincinnati and Columbus provide same-day or next-day service to CVG, CMH, and CLE airports. Emergency service typically available within 4-6 hours for critical failures. |
| Specialization | Heavy-duty diesel equipment including ground power units, gensets, and industrial tractors. Expertise with 4-core configurations common in airport auxiliary power systems. |
| Turnaround Time | Standard repairs completed in 24-48 hours. Replacement radiators for common GSE models available from stock with same-day pickup or next-day delivery. |
Supplier 2: Cincinnati Radiator
Cincinnati Radiator operates from Fairfield, Ohio, serving the Cincinnati metro area with specialized manufacturing and service for trucking, earthmoving, and power generation equipment. They design Tier 3, Tier 4, and Stage 5 cooling packages and offer custom fabrication for obsolete products—a critical capability for aging GSE fleets.
Their NARSA Heavy Duty Certification and custom engineering capabilities make them ideal for airport operators facing chronic overheating issues that standard replacements don't solve. They can reverse-engineer cooling solutions for equipment where OEM parts are no longer available, extending the service life of specialized GSE.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Core Competency | Custom cooling package engineering and obsolete equipment remanufacturing. Capable of designing upgraded solutions that exceed OEM specifications for high-demand applications. |
| Equipment Coverage | Heavy-duty diesel equipment, power generation units, and industrial machinery. Experience with Tier 4 emissions-compliant equipment common in modern GSE fleets. |
| Service Model | On-site diagnosis available for fleet accounts. Pickup and delivery service within 50-mile radius. Mobile service units for emergency repairs during peak operational periods. |
Supplier 3: Active Radiator
Active Radiator specializes in welding, cleaning, and repair services for Class 6-8 trucking industry radiators, charge air coolers, and oil coolers from their Cincinnati location. Their focus on heavy-duty commercial vehicles creates strong technical overlap with GSE cooling requirements—both face diesel engine applications, constant vibration, and heavy operational loads.
The company's expertise with large diesel cooling systems translates well to baggage tractors, cargo loaders, and pushback tugs that share similar engine platforms and duty cycles with commercial trucks.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Technical Capabilities | Welding and fabrication for aluminum and copper-brass cores. TIG welding for aluminum repairs. Pressure testing to OEM specifications. Chemical cleaning for core restoration. |
| Inventory | Stock cores for common Class 6-8 truck applications. Custom-order basis for specialized GSE equipment. Access to aftermarket suppliers for hard-to-find components. |
| Pricing Structure | Competitive repair pricing for copper-brass radiators (typically 40-60% of replacement cost). Fleet pricing available for operators with 10+ units. Emergency service carries 25-30% premium. |
Supplier 4: Thermal Solutions Manufacturing
Thermal Solutions Manufacturing operates from Cleveland, focusing on cooling products for transportation and heavy equipment applications. Their manufacturing capabilities allow them to produce replacement cores and complete radiator assemblies for industrial equipment operating under demanding conditions.
Their Cleveland location puts them close to Hopkins International Airport and surrounding cargo facilities—a practical advantage for Northeast Ohio airport operators who need fast turnaround.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Design Approach | Engineering process includes thermal load calculation, airflow analysis, and material selection based on duty cycle. Performance upgrades available including increased core thickness and enhanced fin designs. |
| Material Options | Brazed aluminum construction for modern GSE applications. Copper-brass available for legacy equipment repair. Core thickness options from 2-row to 4-row configurations for increased capacity. |
| Support Services | Coolant system diagnosis including pressure testing and flow analysis. Preventive maintenance programs with scheduled inspections. Technical training for maintenance staff on proper cooling system care. |
Supplier 5: HI TecMetal Group
HI TecMetal Group specializes in industrial brazed heat exchangers from their Cleveland/Eastlake facility, focusing on tube and shell, plate and frame configurations. While not a traditional radiator shop, their expertise with hydraulic oil coolers and transmission coolers makes them valuable for GSE applications with complex cooling requirements.
Brazing capabilities are particularly relevant for hydraulic GSE components like belt loaders and cargo loaders that require specialized oil cooling alongside engine radiators.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| OEM Relationships | Industrial heat exchanger partnerships with heavy equipment manufacturers. Ability to cross-reference specifications for hydraulic cooling systems and transmission coolers in GSE applications. |
| Custom Modifications | Vacuum brazing technology for superior joint strength. Custom heat exchanger design for unique cooling challenges. Capability to improve cooling performance for hydraulic systems experiencing thermal issues. |
| Lead Times | Standard brazed heat exchangers: 5-7 business days. Custom-engineered solutions: 10-14 business days including design validation. Rush service available for critical applications at premium pricing. |
Supplier 6: American Tank & Fabricating Company
American Tank & Fabricating operates from Cleveland with advanced metal fabrication and welding capabilities typically serving large-scale industrial applications. While not a standard radiator supplier, their fabrication expertise makes them a potential partner for structural repairs to cooling module frames or custom tank fabrication for large industrial GSE.
This shop is best matched to specialized projects requiring heavy fabrication work — not routine radiator service.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Emergency Services | Standard business hours operation (not 24/7). Rush fabrication services available with 2-3 day turnaround for critical structural components. No mobile service units. |
| Quality Standards | AWS-certified welders for aluminum and steel fabrication. Pressure vessel code compliance for tank fabrication. Hydrostatic testing available for pressure-rated components. |
| Fleet Programs | Custom fabrication contracts for specialized GSE modifications. Preventive maintenance agreements not offered (focused on manufacturing rather than service). Volume pricing for multi-unit projects. |
Supplier 7: FSR Racing Products (Four Seasons Radiator)
FSR Racing Products manufactures custom all-aluminum radiators from their Tennessee facility, serving Ohio airports with racing-derived engineering applied to real-world GSE challenges. Standard replacements often fall short on chronic overheating problems — FSR's ground support experience covers aircraft tugs, baggage tractors, cargo loaders, and ground power units.
Every radiator is hand-built in the USA by experienced technicians who engineer solutions specific to the problem, not just the equipment model.
Competitive pricing for custom work, combined with nationwide shipping and a focus on minimizing downtime, makes FSR a practical option for Ohio operators dealing with recurring cooling issues.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Customization Capability | Build radiators from specifications or modify existing designs for improved performance. Solve overheating issues that standard OEM replacements don't address. Reverse-engineering capability for obsolete GSE when OEM parts are unavailable. |
| Manufacturing Approach | Hand-built construction with all-aluminum design for superior heat dissipation and corrosion resistance. Quality control by experienced technicians with decades of cooling system expertise. Racing-derived engineering principles applied to industrial applications. |
| Application Range | Extensive GSE experience including Eagle TT8 tugs, MA50 baggage tractors, TLD cargo loaders, Wollard tractors, and various ground power units. Cross-industry expertise from racing, trucks, and industrial equipment informs better cooling designs. |
Supplier 8: National Radiator Network (Regional Distribution)
For operators managing GSE across multiple Ohio facilities, national radiator distributors offer an alternative to single-shop suppliers. Regional warehouse coverage in Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati means next-day parts availability for most airport locations, along with established account management for fleet-wide purchasing.
The tradeoff: national distributors prioritize parts availability over custom fabrication. They work best when replacement cores for common GSE models are in stock — less so for aging or specialized equipment with no OEM supply.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Distribution Network | Regional warehouses in Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati metro areas. Parts availability through national inventory systems. Next-day delivery to most Ohio airport locations through established logistics networks. |
| Product Range | Comprehensive GSE radiator options from economy to premium tiers. Both OEM and aftermarket choices for common equipment brands. Access to hard-to-find radiators through national sourcing networks. |
| Technical Support | Engineering support through national technical centers. Installation guidance and troubleshooting assistance via phone consultation. Field service capabilities vary by specific distributor and location. |
How We Chose the Best Suppliers
Many airport operators make the mistake of selecting radiator suppliers based solely on price or proximity, without evaluating GSE-specific expertise. This leads to repeat failures, extended downtimes, and higher total cost of ownership when radiators designed for highway vehicles fail under constant-idling airport conditions.
Our evaluation focused on six factors that directly impact operational uptime and long-term cooling system reliability:
- NARSA Heavy Duty Certification or proven industrial cooling backgrounds — suppliers who understand why automotive radiators fail in GSE applications
- Rapid turnaround and emergency response that minimize downtime during peak operational periods
- Custom fabrication capability for chronic overheating problems or obsolete equipment with no off-the-shelf replacement
- Pressure testing, thermal validation, and warranty terms that back up reliability claims with accountability
- Physical proximity to Ohio airports, enabling faster emergency response and on-site diagnosis
- Documented experience with airport fleets, cargo operations, or heavy-duty commercial equipment — not just automotive work
Price alone doesn't tell the full story. A $600 radiator that fails in six months costs more than an $800 industrial-grade unit that runs reliably for years — especially when a single flight delay can exceed $3,000 in operational costs.
Conclusion
Selecting the right GSE radiator supplier for Ohio airport operations requires balancing local service advantages with technical expertise. The best choice depends on your specific fleet needs: emergency repair capabilities for unexpected failures, custom engineering for chronic overheating issues, or cost-effective replacement programs for routine maintenance.
When narrowing down your options, weigh these factors:
- Fleet composition and which GSE units run hottest under load
- Typical failure patterns (sudden failures vs. gradual degradation)
- Response time requirements vs. budget constraints
- Whether the supplier holds NARSA Heavy Duty Certification or equivalent industrial cooling experience
For persistent overheating problems that standard replacements haven't resolved, manufacturers like FSR Racing Products build radiators to spec for non-standard or aging GSE equipment — including units where OEM parts are no longer available. That kind of direct manufacturing capability can cut downtime when off-the-shelf options run out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes airport GSE radiators different from standard truck radiators?
GSE radiators operate at low speeds without highway airflow, cycle through constant starts and stops, and endure tarmac heat and vibration around the clock. This demands wider fin spacing (7-11 fins per inch), industrial-grade construction, and compact configurations that standard truck radiators—built for highway speeds—simply aren't engineered to handle.
How do I choose between a local Ohio supplier and a national manufacturer for GSE radiators?
Local suppliers deliver faster emergency response (4-6 hours vs. days) and on-site service, while specialized national manufacturers like FSR Racing Products can engineer custom solutions for chronic overheating—though shipping adds 7-14 days. Use local for routine replacements and emergencies; go custom when stock replacements keep failing.
What is the typical lead time for custom GSE radiator orders?
Stock replacement radiators for common GSE models are often available within 1-3 business days from Ohio suppliers with local inventory. Custom-fabricated radiators typically require 7-14 business days for engineering, fabrication, and shipping from specialized manufacturers. Rush services are potentially available for critical situations at 25-30% premium pricing, with some suppliers offering 2-3 day expedited turnaround for emergency situations.
Can airport GSE radiators be repaired or should they be replaced?
Repairs cost 40-60% of replacement and make sense for copper-brass units under 5-7 years old with minor damage. For radiators with extensive corrosion, multiple prior repairs, or recurring overheating, replacement with a modern aluminum unit delivers better long-term performance and vibration resistance for high-duty-cycle equipment.
What certifications or standards should I look for in an airport GSE radiator supplier?
NARSA Heavy Duty Certification and ISO 9001 are the key quality markers for industrial heat transfer work. Beyond credentials, prioritize suppliers with proven airport or heavy-duty fleet experience, pressure testing to OEM specs, and warranties covering both parts and labor for 1-2 years.
How does Ohio's climate affect GSE radiator selection and maintenance?
Ohio's swings from sub-zero winters to 90°F+ summers with high humidity put serious thermal stress on cooling systems. Maintain a 50/50 ethylene glycol mix for freeze protection to -34°F, and plan seasonal core cleanings each spring and fall. Equipment running during peak summer heat may need upgraded cooling capacity—tarmac surfaces can exceed 130°F, pushing stock radiators beyond their rated limits.
